This year, Arizona’s Assistant Principal of the Year is Crane Middle School’s very own Rubycell Rodriguez.
According to an announcement from Crane Elementary School District, the National Principal Association is recognizing Rodriguez for outstanding leadership, dedication to student success and commitment to fostering a positive school environment.
“It means so much to me because I know the work and the commitment that go into this amazing profession,” Rodriguez said. “This is my 20th year in education, and throughout these years, my purpose has always been the same: to make a difference, whether that's helping students recognize their potential, support my colleagues and teachers, or just finding ways to make our school better.”
Rodriguez spent the first 15 years of her career in the classroom before taking up the role of assistant principal at Crane.
For the past five years, Rodriguez has worked alongside Principal Ryan Tyree, who nominated her for the honor.
“From championing the whole child through NME practices and PBIS, to her steady support of our students, staff, and families, she makes Crane Middle School a better place for everyone who walks through our doors,” Tyree said.
NME stands for Neurosequential Model in Education and PBIS stands for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. NME helps educators understand how brain development and trauma affect student behavior, while PBIS emphasizes teaching and reinforcing positive behaviors.
Both models represent part of the school’s leadership approach, but not all.
In her own words, Rodriguez focuses on connection.
“What I love the most about what I do is that no two days are ever the same, and every day gives me an opportunity to make a difference in someone's life,” she said. “As a leader, I love building relationships. I love to connect with families. I love to bring people together and create a school environment where both students and teachers feel supported, valued and motivated to do their best.”
Rodriguez told KAWC that she derives purpose from knowing her work matters.
“It's not always something big or something others get to see; sometimes it's just a conversation or a decision that changes someone's day,” she said. “So I get to show up, bring my energy, give my best and hopefully make a positive difference in someone's day. And honestly, I can't imagine doing anything else.”
As Arizona’s Assistant Principal of the Year, Rodriguez will advance as the state’s finalist for National Assistant Principal of the Year. She’ll be recognized at the National Principals Conference in February 2027 and the Arizona School Administrators Association Conference in June 2027, too.
“We are fortunate to have her as part of the Crane Crew, and we could not be more excited to see her receive this well deserved statewide recognition,” said Crane Superintendent Dale Ponder. “As she advances to the national level, she carries with her the pride and support of her school community and our entire district.”
Rodriguez said that sometimes people in her profession get so busy doing the work that they don’t stop to recognize the impact they’re making, so the award has given her an opportunity to reflect on her journey and appreciate the people who’ve been part of it.
“I'm honored, and I'm also motivated to keep growing, keep challenging myself, of course continue serving students, families and educators, and truly keep changing the world one student at a time,” she said. “I feel incredibly blessed to do what I do.”
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Reporting for this article is supported by a grant from the Arizona Local News Foundation.
